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MRS → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Marseille Provence Airport (Marseille) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior panoramic perspective of the Southern Alps during departure, the rugged Dinaric Alps across the Balkans, and a high-probability view of the Bosphorus and Istanbul's historic European side upon arrival at SAW.
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Southern French Alps
Breathtaking views of the snow-capped Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur peaks shortly after takeoff.
Genoa & Ligurian Coast
A clear view of the Italian port city of Genoa and the colorful villages along the steep coastline.
Dinaric Alps
Dramatic, jagged mountain landscapes across Montenegro and Northern Albania.
Bosphorus Bridges
During the final descent into SAW, catch the bridges connecting Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus strait.
Istanbul Skyline
Aerial view of the sprawling metropolis, including the Golden Horn and historic mosques.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare. During the descent into Sabiha Gökçen, the pilot often loops north, providing a stunning view of the Bosphorus. Keep your camera ready as you pass over the Bulgarian-Turkish border for the transition from green forests to urban sprawl.
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French Riviera
Aerial perspective of the glamourous coastline from Saint-Tropez to Nice and Monaco.
Tuscan Archipelago
Views of the island of Elba and the Tyrrhenian Sea's turquoise waters.
Central Italy
The rolling hills of Tuscany and the distant outskirts of the Eternal City, Rome.
Adriatic Islands
The crystalline waters and scattered islands of the Croatian coast during the mid-flight segment.
Prince's Islands
A cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara visible just before touchdown at SAW.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the Mediterranean. It offers better views of the Sea of Marmara and the Prince's Islands on the final approach. This side is typically quieter for light if the sun is in the South.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,998 km (1,241 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 40 min
Departure: MRS (43.439271922, 5.22142410278)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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